People do not want an outsider now: Rai

Despite facing a tough challenge in form of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, MLA and Congress candidate from Varanasi parliamentary seat Ajay Rai is quite confident of romping home victorious. A day after announcement of his candidature by the Congress, Rai on Wednesday was busy chalking out strategy with party workers and supporters at his Chetganj residence when TOI caught up with him. Talking with Binay Singh, he shared his plan and priorities. Excerpts:

| TNN | Apr 10, 2014, 10.39 AM IST

VARANASI: Despite facing a tough challenge in form of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, MLA and Congress candidate from Varanasi parliamentary seat Ajay Rai is quite confident of romping home victorious. A day after announcement of his candidature by the Congress, Rai on Wednesday was busy chalking out strategy with party workers and supporters at his Chetganj residence when TOI caught up with him. Talking with Binay Singh, he shared his plan and priorities. Excerpts:

Q: You met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Delhi. Did you invite them to Varanasi for campaigning? What was their response?

Rai: Yes, I requested them to campaign in my favour in Varanasi. They promised to consider my request. I am sure of getting their programme in Varanasi at an appropriate time. I met them separately at 10 Janpath and 12 Tughlaq Lane. Priyanka ji assured me all possible help in the election.

Q: Varanasi seat is in focus today and you are contesting against Modi and Kejriwal. Where do you find yourself in the battle?

Rai: I am 100% confident of my victory because the party has placed its trust in me. I have been in public life for last 20 years serving people selflessly.

I went to Delhi (to get the ticket) only after I received a call. The party is with me. Public support too is with me.

Q: On what ground are you confident of your victory?

Rai: The minority vote is completely with us. Besides, we also have good support from other sections of the society.

Q: Varanasi is believed to be the bastion of BJP. How will you tackle it?

Rai: The people will shatter BJP's dream as they have seen the performance of BJP MP Murli Manohar Joshi in the last five years.

People no more want an outsider but a 'son of the soil' who is easily available to them. There is a perception among the people that if Modi wins both Varanasi and Vadodara, he will vacate the former. It is a vital issue that will help Congress in this election. In both situations, whether I win or lose I will be here and stand by the people.

Q: Can SP and BSP, though they have fielded candidates, extend silent support to you to defeat Modi?

Rai: I don't know what is in their mind but good sense will prevail if these parties extend support. I will whole-heartedly welcome their support to defeat Modi.

Q: The name of Quami Ekta Dal leader Mukshtar Ansari is also in the air. How do you see the fight if he contests from Varanasi?

Rai: If he (Mukhtar) really cares about national interest and the well being of minority community he should not jump into the fray. The BJP won the 2009 election just because of Mukhtar. Polarisation of vote went in favour of BJP candidate (MM Joshi).

Q: How do you assess AAP's strength in Varanasi?

Rai: Kejriwal to fusss..hai (Kejriwal is a punctured balloon). After quitting the responsibility in Delhi he has earned the image of an escapist. Here people do not like a person who runs away from responsibility. The repeated attacks on him clearly show that resentment is brewing against him even in Delhi.

Q: There were two aspirants for ticket from Varanasi and you emerged successful. Are there any differences or dissatisfaction in party fold?

Rai: No, there is no difference in the party fold. It is a party decision that should be honoured by all.

Q: Do you see Modi wave in the region?

Rai: Where is Modi wave? I don't see it anywhere.

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